American restaurants and diners have plenty in common—their menus, their booths, their knack for fixing a craving gone right. But somehow, burgers, fries, and a slice of pie at a chrome-counter joint just feel different than when they’re plated in a modern bistro. We visited dozens of Somerville’s American spots and have found the best. If you need a classic fix and don’t want a meal that’s been fussed over like a museum piece, read on.
Elm Street Taproom
$$ | (617) 764-4965 | WEBSITE
The Elm Street Taproom (with its dog-friendly patio, a rarity in Boston) makes a napkin-required mac smash burger. Even the sturdy brioche bun struggles to contain the overflow of melty cheese, special sauce, and juicy smashed patty. But if you can get past the mess, you’ll thoroughly enjoy this burger. We like it even more when we take it to their lively outdoor patio with a cold beer from their extensive selection.
Supreme Kitchen
$ | (617) 628-4440 | WEBSITE
Every element of the Supreme Kitchen experience delivers exactly what you want from a neighborhood spot. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, the flavors are straightforward and satisfying, and the service comes with genuine smiles. Always go for the daily specials, which showcase their talent for turning simple ingredients into memorable meals. The restaurant gets crowded during peak hours, but arriving early or on weekdays guarantees a more relaxed visit.
Just remember to bring cash—though their on-site ATM makes it easy if you forget.
Mount Vernon Restaurant & Pub
$$ | (617) 666-3830 | WEBSITE
Mount Vernon Restaurant & Pub keeps their menu straightforward—the prime rib comes with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and the boiled dinner features corned beef or ham with cabbage and root vegetables. But it’s the buttery, flaky popovers and rich clam chowder that earn this spot a place in this guide.
This cozy, sit-down spot has a welcoming atmosphere with warm lighting and wooden booths, where friendly waitstaff help navigate the seafood-heavy menu, especially for first-timers tackling the affordable lobsters.
Earls Kitchen + Bar
$$ | (617) 616-5673 | WEBSITE
Earls Kitchen + Bar in Somerville goes way beyond the usual chain restaurant offerings. They have a full menu of elevated American classics, each anchored by attentive service and a welcoming atmosphere. We always go for the deluxe burger: a juicy patty that soaks up the flavors from thoughtful toppings, and has perfectly cooked steak fries for added satisfaction.
The restaurant is popular for celebrations, so plan on enjoying complimentary touches like birthday cards or desserts from the friendly staff.
Sound Bites Cafe
$ | (617) 623-8338 | WEBSITE
$12 is all you need for a successful trip to Sound Bites Cafe. The lively spot in Somerville charges reasonable prices for most of their menu, including a solid Broadway bowl with all the fixings for less than $10. You’ll need to wait your turn, though—this bustling cafe probably churns out hundreds of these things to mobs of hungry students and early morning commuters daily. Make sure to snag a cup of unlimited coffee on the side.
The Burren
$ | (617) 776-6896 | WEBSITE
This Irish pub doesn’t try to reinvent the classic pub experience. Instead, they serve straightforward appetizers and entrees with some traditional Irish music. But everything is done right: the atmosphere morphs into a cozy retreat that’s filled with the sounds of folk tunes. Our favorite is the Mediterranean platter, which adds a fresh counterbalance to the hearty Guinness stew. This place gets busy, so to avoid parking challenges, try arriving early on weekends.
Shake Shack Assembly Row
$ | (617) 604-3025 | WEBSITE
Despite Somerville’s abundance of burger joints, few manage to truly satisfy both kids and adults. So if, like us, you believe in classic cheeseburgers and creamy custard ice cream making for a perfect family meal, head to Shake Shack Assembly Row. The Assembly Row spot stays true to its casual roots with friendly, attentive service, as when staff member Andre helped a young guest find a lost Lego piece and played games with him.
And don’t worry, ordering at a kiosk or with a cashier is straightforward, and the location near the train station makes parking concerns disappear.
Daddy Jones
$$ | (617) 690-9095 | WEBSITE
We’d order just about anything if it were served with Daddy Jones’ lemon pepper wings, which are crispy on the outside and tender with just a bit of zing in the middle. But our standby order is the incredible gyro with tzatziki and fresh veggies. For a couple of extra bucks, you can add some sweet potato fries or a fresh salad (and on weekends, spanakopita), but we prefer to keep it simple so we can focus on that gyro with no distractions.
City Slicker Cafe
$ | (617) 625-0700 | WEBSITE
$15 gourmet pizzas are why you’re at City Slicker Cafe, a pizza spot in Somerville. Of the always-available pizzas, go for the classic with the crispy crust that takes the cheese all the way to the edge, or try the Cubano sandwich that’s become a go-to for many. Note that you’ll want to call ahead for parties since it’s a big hit every time.
Ball Square Cafe
$ | (617) 623-2233 | WEBSITE
Ball Square Cafe’s coconut macaroon French toast is unapologetically indulgent, with a golden-brown brioche base piled high with toasted coconut flakes and a drizzle of maple syrup, and a side of fresh berries. It’s the kind of breakfast that lingers with you for hours, but in this relaxed Somerville spot, there’s plenty of cozy booth space to settle in and savor—or enjoy some light jazz before you head out.
Tony C’s Sports Bar and Grill
$$ | (617) 666-8282 | WEBSITE
The grilled chicken bruschetta sandwich is reason enough to treat any game day like a major event. It’s served on a toasted ciabatta roll with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and a balsamic glaze. What sets this sandwich apart, though, is the perfectly grilled chicken with noticeable herb seasoning. If you’re not in the mood for a sandwich, the guacamole with fresh tortilla chips available as an appetizer is a solid backup.
Saloon
$$ | (617) 628-4444 | WEBSITE
The star of the show at Saloon is the truffled mushroom toast, and for good reason. Still, their roasted octopus shouldn’t be overlooked. The tentacles are charred to a perfect crisp in a way that feels almost luxurious, and the whole dish is finished with a bright lemon aioli. Ordering the burger will be a choice you’ll reminisce about for months to come.
Foundry On Elm
$$ | (617) 628-9999 | WEBSITE
Foundry On Elm is a neighborhood spot devoted to the art of the modern American meal. Think beautifully prepared plates bursting with flavor and—if you know what’s good for you—a perfectly grilled cheese paired with soup. The Brussels sprouts are great, but our favorite is the version with attentive, warm service that makes itself known in every visit. Be sure to check their website for the latest cocktail specials and hours.
Five Horses Tavern
$$ | (617) 764-1655 | WEBSITE
The Bodega Bomb brunch sandwich at Five Horses Tavern is served all weekend, and swaps out the usual bacon to let egg and Taylor ham shine. Here, your morning meal comes in the form of a fluffy scrambled egg that melds with a layer of melted cheese and buttery toasted brioche. Order one before heading to nearby Tufts University, or snag a patio seat in the open air.
La Brasa
$$$ | (617) 764-1412 | WEBSITE
For a Monday night dinner, head to La Brasa in Somerville when their burger special starts at 5pm. While this spot is mainly focused on Mexican cuisine, they also make the “La Brasa Burger” half price if enjoyed on Mondays—a juicy patty topped with melted cheese, crisp lettuce, and a special sauce. It’s all served with a side of roasted carrots. We’ve been known to get one for dinner and an extra to take home.
Saus at Bow Market
$ | WEBSITE
Let’s cut to the chase—don’t let the busy market scene or limited seating deter you from trying this spot. Just head straight for the king mushroom burger. It delivers everything you’d want from a plant-based patty (juicy texture, satisfying heft). But what really stands out is the mushroom miso gravy that adds a savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors. And, if you’re craving something crispy on the side, this Bow Market gem also serves up fantastic fries with their signature sauces.
Salt + Stone
$$ | (617) 764-1541 | WEBSITE
Among the spots on this guide, Salt + Stone wins the coveted Best Blood Orange Mimosa award by a landslide. Rigatoni Bolognese with warm burrata and Baked Brie join those expertly crafted cocktails on the lively back bar. We like to add the signature Vesper martini and finish our meal off with a stroll to the charming outdoor patio. For something a little less formal, they also split pasta dishes for sharing with friends.
NU Kitchen Somerville
$ | (617) 764-2482 | WEBSITE
NU Kitchen Somerville is a health-focused spot in Somerville that always keeps a couple standout vegan options on the menu. If it’s the impossibly satisfying Impossi-Burrito with kale, sweet potato, just egg, and impossible sausage, clear your afternoon schedule and make the trip across town to try it. But what really makes this burrito is the delicious sauce on the bagel just egg breakfast sandwich, which should be a legally required condiment at every vegan restaurant in the city.
Vera’s
$$ | (617) 623-9211 | WEBSITE
A straightforward dish, really—just chicken piccata with seasonal sides. But what makes it memorable is the Amalfi Coast cocktail. It’s got a bright citrus kick and a creamy finish, and the chicken is served with a generous lemon-butter sauce that the sides soak up. Compared to Vera’s otherwise lively party atmosphere, this meal is a bit quiet, but at just under twenty dollars, it’s a great start-of-the-night option for the value.